Michael Loken

The Goatfather 2013, Wo Coastal Region

Nugan Estate Third Generation Chardonnay 2013, Southeastern Australia

For the price, you get a really solid, reasonably balanced chardonnay. Definitely a solid competitor at the price point.

Finca Villacreces Pruno 2013, Do Ribera Del Duero

This wine showed a lot of oak, as indicated by multiple reviews; it was smoky and meaty with notes of licorice and graphite. The wine also did show a slight mustiness which really detracted from the overall experience. Not great value here.

Tasted blind at a Beefsteak & Burgundy Club event, September 2016.

Wayne Gretzky Riesling 2014, VQA Niagara Peninsula

Chateau De Courteillac 2014

Thin, overly sweet and lacking in serious composition or elegance. After drinking a fine bottle of wine, this tastes like sweet grape juice in a bottle in comparison. I will not purchase again.

Feudi San Pio Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2013, Doc

Very earthy and quite powerfully oaked, this wine is not subtle. It is big and spicy and needs to be paired with food, as it is a bit too much on its own.

Cusumano Syrah 2014, Igt Sicilia

Antico Sigillo Primitivo Di Manduria 2013, Dop

Rib Shack Vintage Blend 2015

Cannonball Cabernet Sauvignon 2013, California

Initial impressions were tainted by a strong smell of rubber or plastic which faded the longer the wine was open. After breathing, the profile then became strongly over-oaked; with heavy vanilla, coffee and tea aromas. This wine lacked elegance and just came off heavy handed.

Tasted blind at a Beefsteak & Burgundy Club event, May 2016.